Cornice for window curtains



Aug. 28, 1951 Filed April 28, 1950 C. D. BRUNO CORNICE FOR WINDOW CURTAINS 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 a Maw Eli:

ATTORNEYS Aug. 28, 1951 c, D, BRUNO CORNICE FOR WINDOW CURTAINS Filed April 28, 1950 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 25' Hhll INVENTOR Cosmo D. BRuNo WWW lll'Fl'Il ATTORNEYS Patented Aug. 28, i951 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE Claims.

-My invention relates to improvements in window curtain 'cornices.

Aprim'ary object of my invention is to provide an ornamental cornice which is readily detachably mounted upon a curtain rod secured to a window frame.

A further object is to provide an ornamental cornice which will completely cover and-conceal the curtain rod carrying it, as well as the top of the wooden window frame.

A further-object is to provide a cornice of the above mentioned character which is highly simplified in construction, compact, sturdy and durable and neat and attractive in appearance.

A still further object is to provide an ornamentalcornice which may be formed in separate, detachable, prefabricated sections, the sections having simplified and novel attaching means for forming close-fitting and neat joints between the sections.

A further object is to provide a'window curtain cornice which embodies no screws or nails which must 'be driven into the Woodwork or window frame, thus damaging it.

A'still further-ob'ject'of the invention is to provide a cornice of the above-mentioned character which may be assembled to fit various standard sizes of window frames, and which i's'constructed so as to be quite inexpensive to manufacture.

Otherobjects and advantages of the invention will be apparent during the course of the following description.

'In the accompanying drawings forming a part of this application, and in which like numerals are employed to designate like parts throughout the same:

Figure'l is a front perspective view of a window curtain cornice embodying my invention;

Figure 2 is a plan'view of the cornice, parts 'being broken away;

Figure 3 is an enlarged. fragmentary, horizontal, sectional view taken on line '33 o'f'Figure 1;

Figure 4 is an enlarged, transverse, vertical, sectional View taken on line 4-4 'of Figure'Z;

Figure 5 is an enlarged, fragmentary, exploded, perspective view showing a vertical 'joint'between two adjacent cornice sections of the-cornice illus trated 'in Figure 1;

Figure 6 is a fragmentary, side elevational view of a modified form of joint between two adjacent cornice sections;

Figure 7 is an enlarged, fragmentary horizontal sectional view taken'on"line"l7 of Figure 6;

Figure 8 is an enlarged, fragmentary vertical, sectional'view takenon line 8-8 of Figure 6;

Figure!) is a fragmentary,-exploded, perspective view of a pair of adjacent cornice sections and showing a further modified form of joint between such sections;

Figure 10 is an enlarged, fragmentary, horizontal, sectional .view through the joint illustrated in Figure 9;

Figure '11 is a fragmentary, perspective view of adjacent cornice sections having a still further modified form of joint; and

Figure 12 is anenlarged, fragmentary, horizontal, sectional view taken on line I2I2 of Figure l1.

In the drawings, where, for the purpose of illustration, are shown preferred embodiments of my invention, attention is directed first to Figures 1 to 5, inclusive, wherein the numeral I5 designates the usual rectangular wooden window frame at 'the inner side of a window It, and including atop horizontal frame side or member l1, and vertical frame sides I 8.

Conventional "horizontal curtain rod support brackets [9 are suitably rigidly secured to the top window frame member I! near its opposite ends, and a conventional, telescopic, adjustable curtain rod 20 is detachably mounted upon the support brackets IS in the usual manner. The curtain rod'2l) comprises the usual tubular, telescopic rod sections 2| and 22 which are disposed laterally forwardly of the top frame member I! and parallel thereto. The rod sections 2| and 22 have transverse extensions or vams 23 at their opposite ends, and these arms 23 are directed inwardly for engagement upon the support brackets l9.

As best shown in Figure 4, the telescopic curtain rod sections 2| and 22 are somewhat flattened vertically, as are the transverse extensions or arms 23.

My improved ornamental cornice is designated generally by the numeral 24, and the cornice is bodilydetachablymounted upon'the curtain rod 25, as will be more fully described. The cornice 24 comprises L-shaped corner or end sections 25 and a front or central section 26 arranged between the corner sections 25 and detachably secured thereto. The front cornice section 26 comprises a substantially flat, vertical plate or panel 21, which may have its bottom end fluted, as at 28, for the purpose of ornamentation. The top, horizontal edge '29 of the front section 26 is straight and disposed substantially adjacent to the top edge of the top Window frame member H, Figure 4. The plate 21 is provided at its opposite ends with inturned or rearwardly extending, spaced, vertical, apertured extensions 3 or ears 30 integral therewith, and the plate 21 is provided between the vertically spaced cars 30 with end longitudinal extensions or tabs 3!. In assembly, the tabs 3| overlap and lie adjacent to the inner faces of the forward plates or panels 32 of the end or corner cornice sections 25. The panels 32 are provided adjacent to their free vertical edges with integral, inturned or rearwardly extending, apertured extensions or ears 33, which are vertically spaced for receiving the tabs 3| between them. The apertured cars 33 are disposed in a vertical plane and adapted to register in assembly with the ears 30 of the front or center cornice section 26. The openings or apertures of the companion ears 3% and 33 register in assembly for the reception of bolts 34 detachably securing the center and corner cornice sections 23 and 25 together. As viewed from the front in assembly, Figure 1, the plates or panels 21 and 32 constitute a substantially continuous, fiat, depending, vertical panel completely' concealing the top frame member ll, curtain rod 20, bolts 3d and associated elements from view. The end or corner cornice sections 25 further comprise transverse or end vertical panels 35, integral with the panels 32 and disposed at right angles thereto. The end panels 35 extend inwardly and have their rear free,

edges 36 arranged adjacent to the outer vertical edges of the frame sides l8, Figure 1.

The top edges of the end panels 35 are horizontally disposed and straight, and arranged at the same elevation as the top edge 29 of the front panel 21. A continuous ornamental molding or bead 31, which is substantially inverted U-shaped, Figure 4, is applied to the top edges of the panels 21, 32 and 35, and the molding 3? extends entirely about the top of the cornice as shown in Figure 1. If desired, the ornamental bead or molding 31 may be constructed in telescopic, adjustable sections like the curtain rod 20.

Spot welded or otherwise permanently rigidly secured to the inner faces of the vertical panels 21, 32 and 35 are a plurality of laterally inwardly offset mounting brackets or hangers 38, all of which are disposed at the same elevation and spaced below the top edges of the panels 21, 32 and 35 for a substantial distance, Figure 4. The hangers 38 include top horizontal webs or shoul ders 39 for engagement upon the top of the curtain rod 20, and inner depending, vertical legs or webs so which engage the inner, vertical, flattened sides of the curtain rod, as shown. As best shown in Figure 2, the front panel 2'! is preferably equipped with a longitudinally spaced pair of course, be understood that one of the clips 44 of the hangers 38, while the panels 32 and 35 are preferably equipped with a single hanger 33. However, any desired number of the hangers 33 may be provided for readily detachably supporting the cornice 24 on the curtain rod 20. Likewise, while I have shown a single forward cornice section 26, I also contemplate using any desired number of the sections 23 arranged in end-to-end relation and connected with the inner sections in exactly the same manner described above, in order to accommodate window frames of various widths.

Near and above the hangers 38, and likewise permanently rigidly secured to the inner faces of the vertical panels 2'5, 32 and are a plurality of inwardly projecting support lugs or stops 4|, all arranged at the same elevation and spaced below the top edge of the cornice 24 a substantial distance, Figure 4. The front panel 21 is preferably provided at its longitudinal center with one of the lugs 4 l and the end panels 35 are likewise preferably equipped near their ends adjacent to the window frame [5 with one of the lugs 4|, Figure 2. The forward panels 32 are provided adjacent to the corners of the cornice 24 with a lug 4i, and it should be understood that any desired number of the lugs or stops 4| may be employed.

A flat, horizontal, removable dust cover or plate 42 rests upon the lugs or stops H, and is likewise disposed below the top edge of the cornice 24, Figure l. The cover plate 42 aids greatly in preventing dust from collecting on the curtains suspended from the rod 20, not shown.

It is thus seen that my entire cornice assembly 24 is bodily detachably mounted upon the curtain rod 29, so that it may be removed therefrom when desired. The cornice sections, molding 3'! and cover plate 42 may be formed of light gauge sheet metal, some suitable plastics material, or any other suitable thin sheet material which possesses sufficient rigidity and strength.

Attention is directed next to Figures 6 to 8, inclusive, wherein a modified type of joint between one corner section 25 of the cornice and its front section 26' is illustrated. In this form of the invention, the front panels 21 and 32 have adjacent, free, laterally spaced, vertical edges 43, detachably secured in place in assembly by means of an elongated, vertical locking slide or clip A l. The locking slide 44 is formed from a unitary section of resilient sheet metal, or the like, and comprises a pair of inner or rear, flat, vertical, elongated flanges or tongues 45 which lie against the inner surfaces of the vertical panels 21 and 32 in assembly. The tongues 45 are bent at their inner ends for forming integral, separate, opposed, U-shaped portions or loops 46 arranged in substantially contacting relation, as shown, and forward, fiat, vertical flanges or tongues 41 are integrally secured to the U-shaped portions 46 and lie adjacent to the outer faces of the panels 21 and 32', Figure 10. The tongues 41 of the slide or clip 44 are integrally secured together by means of a forward, flat, vertical web or plate d8. As shown clearly in Figure 6, the slide or clip @4 extends throughout the major portion of the height of the panels 2'! and 32, and the clip 44 is provided at its top with a short, horizontal,

, laterally inwardly projecting tab or stop 49,

which engages the top edge 29 of the panel 21 to limit the downward movement of the slide or clip 44. The slide or clip 44 is applied to and removed from the cornice sections which it connects from the tops of such sections, and it should,

is provided between each adjacent pair of corner and front cornice sections, and between each adjacent pair of front cornice sections, if more than one front section is employed, All other parts of the cornice illustrated in Figures 6 to 8 are identical with corresponding parts shown and described in connection with the first form of the invention. In Figures 6 to 8, the ornamental molding 37 has been omitted from the drawings for the purpose of clarity, and it should be understood that the molding is applied to the top of the cornice in the manner shown and described in connection with the first form of the invention.

In Figures 9 and 10, I have shown a further modified form of joint between adjacent corner and front cornice sections 50 and 5!. In this form of the invention, the adjacent ends of the front, vertical panels 52 and 53 overlap, as shown, and the panels 52 and 53 are provided at their free vertical edges with interlocking, elongated, vertical, U-shaped extensions or tongues 54 which frictionally interflt in assembly, as shown in Figure 10. In this form of the invention, no separate fastening elements are needed for detachably securing adjacent cornice sections together, since the friction between the interfitting extensions 54 is suificient to detachably secure the cornice sections together in assembly. All other parts of the cornice illustrated in Figures 9 and 10 are identical with corresponding parts shown and described in connection with the first form of the invention.

In Figures 11 and 12, I have shown a still further modified form of joint between adjacent corner and front cornice sections 55 and 56. In this form of the invention, the front panel 51 of the corner cornice section 55 has its straight, vertical edge 58 freely disposed for frictional engagement within an elongated, vertical, U-shaped flange, or locking element, 59 integrally secured to the adjacent, vertical edge of the panel 60 of the cornice section 56. The U-shaped locking flange 59 is disposed upon the inner face of the panel 60, and therefore concealed in assembly. This form of the invention requires no separate fastening elements for detachably connecting adjacent cornice sections together in assembly. All other parts are identical with corresponding parts shown and described in connection with the first form of the invention.

It is to be understood that the forms of the invention herewith shown and described are to be taken as preferred examples of the same, and that various changes in shape, size and arrangement of parts may be resorted to without departing from the spirit of the invention or the scope of the subjoined claims.

Having thus described my invention, I claim:

1. An ornamental curtain support for a window frame comprising a substantially horizontal curtain rod secured to the window frame and spaced laterally forwardly of the window frame, a cornice arranged adjacent to the curtain rod and extending above and below the rod and throughout its entire length and substantially completely concealing the curtain rod from view, the cornice including a plurality of separate detachably connected sections, spaced hanger brackets secured to the inner faces of the cornice sections and engaging over the top of the ,curtain rod for suspending the cornice therefrom, stop lugs secure to the inner faces of the cornice sections above the hanger brackets, and a removable horizontal cover plate mounted upon the stop lugs and disposed above the curtain rod.

2. A window curtain cornice comprising separate front and corner cornice sections, the front cornice section including a substantially vertical panel, the corner cornice sections including front vertical panels arranged adjacent to the ends of the vertical panel of the front cornice section and side vertical panels, inturned registering apertured ears secured to the adjacent ends of the vertical panels of the front and corner cornice sections, bolt means detachably connecting the inturned apertured ears of the front and corner cornice sections, and hanger means secured to the inner faces of the front and corner cornice sections for detachably securing the cornice to a curtain rod.

3. A window curtain cornice comprising a plurality of separate cornice sections including vertical panels having laterally spaced free edges, and a separate removable locking slide engaging the free edges of each adjacent pair of vertical panels for detachably securing the cornice sections together in assembly.

4. A window curtain cornice comprising a plurality of separate detachable cornice sections including substantially flat vertical panels which overlap, and frictionally interfitting substantially U-shaped vertical locking flanges integrally secured to adjacent ends of said overlapping vertical panels for frictionally detachably securing the cornice sections together in assembly.

5. An ornamental curtain support for a window frame comprising a substantially horizontal curtain rod secured to the window frame and spaced laterally forwardly of the window frame, a cornice arranged adjacent to the curtain rod and extending above and below the rod and throughout its entire length and substantially completely concealing the curtain rod from view, spaced hanger brackets secured to the inner face of said cornice engaging over the top of the curtain rod for suspending the cornice therefrom, stop lugs secured to the inner face of the cornice above the hanger brackets, and a removable horizontal cover plate mounted upon the stop lugs and disposed above the curtain rod.

. COSIMO D. BRUNO.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 2,391,150 Ganter Dec. 18, 1945 2,501,133 Levy Mar. 21, 1950 FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date 690,546 Germany Apr. 27, 1940 

